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Secondary school admissions

Secondary admission guidance

Moving on to secondary school is one of the most important events in any child's life. At this time you are naturally concerned to do the best for your children, but you may feel uncertain about what to do. Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for parents to understand the application process.

Most parents prefer their children to go to the local school and a place can nearly always be found for them without difficulty. Sometimes, however, parents prefer a school outside their own area but may find that all the places have to be allocated to local children. Inevitably, therefore,some parents will be disappointed. Our secondary admissions booklet contains all the information you need to understand the arrangements for the transition of children to Herefordshire Secondary schools.

It explains the rules and procedures the council has to follow to ensure that the system works as fairly as possible for every child. The rules and procedures are particularly important when more parents apply for a particular school than there are places available. Staff in the Children's Wellbeing Directorate offer a friendly and efficient service to help parents. You can also download our important notes leaflet which explains the most important points parents need to bear in mind when they apply for a place in a secondary school.

Please get in touch with Dawn Skyrme, Admissions Officer - Secondary Transfers, 01432 260925 if you need any help or advice. Dawn will be happy to help.

It is important to download and read the following documents before making an application for a secondary school place:

Exceptional circumstances

If you are applying for a place on the grounds of exceptional circumstances, medical, social or compassionate reasons, your request for a place on these grounds must be supported by documentation from a professionally qualified independent source. This should set out the reasons why the school in question is the only one suitable and the difficulties that would be caused if the child had to attend any another school. If no supporting professionally qualified independent evidence is submitted this will not be considered. Applications on such grounds will be considered by an appointed advisory panel.

If you are applying for this criteria and the school that you are applying for is Voluntary Aided, or a Foundation or Academy School, you will need to see if this priority is in their admissions criteria. And you will need to send your supporting documentation directly to this school.

If you are applying on these grounds for a school in another authority you will need to check with them if this priority is in their admissions criteria and what supporting information is required.

National guidance

There is also more information available on the following national sites: